Riviera Beach, Fla. (October 24, 2022) – Spread tidings of comfort and joy along with messages of hope, acceptance, and inclusion this holiday season and new year! The Arc of Palm Beach County presents a collection of original greeting cards created by talented artisans with disabilities, which allows them to earn a commission from the sale of their work.
The greeting cards start at four packs for $18 and are sold in counts of 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000. The collection comprises all the Christmas classics, including snowmen, stars, and Santa Claus, and it also features Florida favorites such as turtles, dolphins, and palm trees. The cards offer whimsical words like “Season’s Sunny Greetings!” and “Have a TURTLEy awesome holiday!” Or, they can be customized with personal messages.
But the very best part is that individuals in the Artisan Program earn an income from the sale of the card collection, while learning valuable life and employment skills like collaboration, marketing, and customer service.
“The Artisan Program encourages people with disabilities to harness their imagination to share their stories, express their emotions, and showcase their strengths,” said Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County. “These holiday cards are an amazing way to spread good cheer and support some incredible individuals at the same time.”
The Artisan Program brings people with disabilities together to create other unique artwork throughout the year, including mosaics, acrylic paintings, and mixed-media pieces. Artisans sell the creations at local markets, art shows, festivals, online, and by special order. All purchases directly support individuals with disabilities. To learn more about the Artisan Program and other ways The Arc of Palm Beach County is helping to build a community that values diversity and inclusion, visit arcpbc.org.
About The Arc of Palm Beach County
The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
Wellington, FL (October 25, 2022) – The popular Buck Off Challenge, the largest fundraiser for the non-profit Southeast Florida Honor Flight, focuses on the fun for a good cause mantra. The Buck Off Challenge is an entertaining, family-friendly competition pitting a lively mechanical bull against more than 50 competitors on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 6 p.m. on the boardwalk behind the Wellington Community Center. Last year’s event raised more than $65,000. Each flight costs about $120,000, according to chairman Janet Hoose. The first two flights in 2023 are scheduled for April 15 and May 20. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $500 to $15,000. VIP tables of 10 are $750 and single VIP reserved seats are available for $75. VIP tickets include dinner and a cash bar. General admission is based on optional donation; bringing your own chairs is encouraged, as general seating is limited. The Buck Off Challenge is being co-sponsored by the Village of Wellington for the second consecutive year. To register a team or purchase tickets, visit www.honorflightsefl.com/events. The Buck Off Challenge benefits the Stuart-based Southeast Florida Honor Flight, an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from Palm Beach International to Washington, D.C. four times a year free of charge to visit the memorials built to honor their service and sacrifices.
Four-person teams compete in the Buck Off Challenge, where individual rides are scored by a panel of celebrity judges and totaled to determine the winning team. Riders are scored on their ability to stay on the bull while keeping one hand in the air at all times and the style of the ride. Higher scores may be achieved for character, team “spirit” and costumes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. The entry fee is $100 per team. The Southeast Florida Honor Flight is a day devoted to honoring the local men and women who served our country in conflicts around the globe. For the veterans, it is a day to reflect on those heroes that never came home, on connecting with fellow military compatriots, on the fact that America has not forgotten them. For everyone else, it is day focused on thanking these courageous men and women for serving our nation, for stepping up when the world needed them most and for helping to preserve our freedom and way of life. The Buck Off Challenge is a fundraising event started by Wellington’s Bobbi Rottman of Eques Solutions, which primarily specializes in bringing the equestrian community and businesses together. Rottman and her team started this event over 10 years ago and the last five years Southeast Florida Honor Flight has been the beneficiary. They spend months going over every detail to make sure Southeast Florida Honor Flight receives enormous support from the community. “This event is not your normal fundraiser, it is funny, exciting and touching all at the same time,” said Rottman. “We have attendees ranging from WWII veterans to children and riders that have never ridden anything to riders that have sat on real bulls. I wanted a fundraiser that everyone is welcome to attend. The community needs to be educated on the fact that Southeast Florida Honor Flight touches a lot of lives and with no discounts from airlines the raising of funds for them is important.” For more information about Southeast Florida Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightsefl.org or www.facebook.com/honorflight or call 1-855-FLYAVET (1-855-359-2838).
Everyone is welcome to participate at the Buck Off Challenge, from cowboys to equestrians to first responders.The family-friendly event is open to all ages, from children to retirees! (photo credit: Alex Stark/Eques Solutions)
PALM BEACH, FL — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization with offices located in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, today announced the winners of the 9th Annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards™, presented by Zoetis. Selected from a pool of more than 500 nominees and a combination of votes from the public and a blue-ribbon judging panel of veterinary professionals and animal care experts, Dr. Raquel Fagan is the 2022 American Hero Veterinarian and Cheri Herschell is the American Hero Veterinary Nurse.
“The world’s animals depend on veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and we are honored to recognize their achievements in saving lives, conducting groundbreaking research, and working on the front lines for the animals in their communities,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, and a West Palm Beach resident. “Dr. Fagan and Ms. Herschell are incredible animal welfare advocates, and we are thrilled to bestow upon them the title of 2022 American Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse. A special thanks to our friends at Zoetis for sponsoring this national campaign and helping us celebrate the humane heroes behind our hero pets.”
America’s veterinarians and veterinary nurses save and improve the lives of our furry, winged and finned friends every day, and for the past eight years, the American Humane Hero Vet Awards has honored their tremendous achievements. Professionals from all fields of veterinary medicine were eligible for entry including, but not limited to, those who work in research, emergency services, shelters, and those who work with large and exotic animals.
Dr. Raquel Fagan from Mount Dora, Florida is the 2022 American Hero Veterinarian.Since becoming the owner of Shamrock Animal Hospital in 2016, Dr. Fagan and her team have pursued a simple mission: Do Great Work, Have Fun and Give Back. Dr. Fagan serves the animal health needs of families throughout central Florida based on the simple idea that every patient is unique and deserves the individual care and attention that her education and experience have blessed her with. Since 2019, Dr. Fagan has also served as the medical director for Patriot Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans. By donating her time and resources, along with generous donations of products and services from veterinary industry partners, Dr. Fagan provides all vaccinations, heartworm prevention and spay/neuter services at no cost to PSD. PSD completes a significant portion of training in the largest women’s prison in Florida. The WOOF program allows incarcerated women to work with and train the dogs. On multiple occasions throughout the year, Dr. Fagan visits the prison to provide wellness exams and vaccinations for dogs that are in training. She also educates the inmate-trainers on a broad range of canine health topics and shares opportunities that they may have in the animal health field following their release.
Cheri Herschell from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the 2022 American Hero Veterinary Nurse. Herschell offers immeasurable contributions to Crisis Center North and its PAWS for Empowerment Program. She trains CCN staff on appropriate interactions with working dogs and certifies the canine handler teams who work hands-on with clients in counseling and court work. Her medical expertise as a veterinary technician is invaluable in creating guidelines for the working dogs, ensuring they are both mentally and physically healthy. As a canine intervention specialist at CCN, Herschell attends magisterial court as a legal advocate with Canine Advocate, Rune. She also develops and offers presentations for veterinary staff and students about the intersectionality of human and animal abuse. Herschell’s 15 years of experience working as a veterinary nurse allow her to make a connection with a community which plays an invaluable role in keeping victims and their companion animals safe. She has reached more than 600 veterinary professionals with a tiered curriculum designed to help vets recognize their role as advocates in the fight against family violence.
“Zoetis continues to find ways to support America’s dedicated veterinary community, and the American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards are our way of thanking these devoted individuals,” said Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, executive director, Veterinary Professional Services & Medical Affairs, U.S. Petcare, Zoetis. “We are honored to recognize veterinarians and veterinary nurses who are leading the effort to keep animals, and the bond they share with their people, strong and healthy.”
Dr. Fagan and Herschell will be recognized at the star-studded American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala on November 11 in Manalapan, Florida.
Popular Event Launches Online Partnership Between Mounts and Bloomberg Connects to Enrich Visitors’ Experience
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 19, 2022) Just in time for one of its most popular annual events—Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale, November 5-6—Mounts Botanical Garden is launching an official online partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Mounts Botanical Garden now joins more than 100 museums, galleries, sculpture parks, gardens, and cultural spaces throughout the country featured on the app, including Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park Conservancy, Hammer Museum, The Huntington, The Morgan Library & Museum, National Theatre, New York Public Library, Studio Museum Harlem, Washington National Cathedral, and more
“Mounts Botanical Garden is very proud to be the first nonprofit cultural organization in Palm Beach County to partner with Bloomberg Connects and be featured on its art, culture and nature promoting app,” says Curator Director Rochelle Wolberg. “Our new mobile garden guide is designed to enrich our visitors’ experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love, anytime, anywhere, including before, during, and after their visit to the Garden/\.”
Mounts Botanical Garden’s free mobile visitor guide, available for download at https://app.bloombergconnects.org/O5W8Q0RqUtb, Google Play, and the App Store, features tools to plan a visit, including details on 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions. In addition, the guide features an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio and video content available exclusively via the app.
This includes exclusive content available for the upcoming Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale, including the complete list of 70 vendors and variety of botanicals they will have available, as well as a helpful map detailing vendor locations throughout the garden.
Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale
+ Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm (Members Preview: 8 am to 10 am)
+ Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Gate admissions are by Credit/Debit card ONLY, no cash.
Visitors can stroll in a relaxed environment while shopping for a wide variety of ornamentals, orchids, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, fruit trees, herbs, garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more – all available from 60-75 top-quality vendor booths. The Mounts Botanical Garden Nursery and Garden Thrift Shop will also be open with a great selection of plants and unique treasures for home and garden.
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,500 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
Visit Five Private Gardens & One Public Natural Habitat in SE Palm Beach County
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 18, 2022)The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society,today announced that it would be hosting its first major Native Plant Garden Tour since 2019.
From 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday, November 6, participants can visit five unique private gardens and one public natural habitat in Southeastern Palm Beach County, and each one is landscaped with Florida native plants. There will be docents at each property to answer questions, plant lists and labels on most of the plants will be available, and native plant literature will be at the welcome tables.
The entrance fee for non-members ($10) can be paid by cash or check at any of the gardens. For more information, please call 561.247.3677 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org
The six sights on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:
+ Laragh Garden
5 Sandpiper Drive in Village of Golf
“A Five-Star Garden and Habitat”
The garden of Jean Sealey Laragh has evolved over 25 years as she “learned to recognize the beauty and native plants and watch them adapt as shade develops… I love the different shades of green (and listening) for the secondary rainfall from the trees after a heavy rainstorm.” The all-natural garden also hosts numerous butterflies, from atala to long wing zebras.
Jim and Lora McCoy spent years mowing lawns at their residences in Florida and Massachusetts, but five years ago they purchased a 1924 cottage house that came “with a Koi pond, a wildly overgrown yard, and (gate signage) identifying the property as a ‘wild’ animal sanctuary and a bird and butterfly friendly landscape… There was no grass when we came, and no grass is how it shall remain. We are trying our best to plant and nurture native plants and trees and doing our small part to hold the sound of the leaf blowers at bay.”
+ Gannon Garden
236 Dixie Blvd. in Delray Beach
“Backyard Paradise”
“I consider my garden like a room in my house, always moving plants around based on their sub requirements,” says owner Anne Gannon. As seasons change and plants grew, she found great benefits from bringing native plants into her yard. Reduction in water, fertilizer, bugs and maintenance. Native plantings adjust to less rainwater, are able to withstand diseases more easily, and thrive with heat and humidity. Now Gannon’s time in her garden is less maintenance and all about watching the native butterflies and birds that find refuge among the native plantings.
+ Delray Historical Society Heritage Garden
3 NE 1st Street in Delray Beach
Conceived in 2017 as a collaboration between the Historical Society and the Grass River Garden Club, the garden’s goal was to teach the importance of utilizing native plants and as a way to mitigate the dwindling green space and natural habitats in the city due to increased development. The garden has distinct sections, including a Florida scrub section, a pollinator garden, the Lower Keys, oak hammock, Dade County pine forest, wetlands. In the wetland area are swamp milkweed, a host for monarch butterflies, fragrant water lilies, buttonbush and a pond apple tree (Annona glabra). “It’s an asset and a green oasis in the midst of downtown Delray Beach,” says Winnie Diggans Edwards, executive director of the Historical Society. “We’re blessed with one acre of property and as a gathering place for the community. We wanted to create an outdoor classroom to educate the public on its history through nature.”
(Adapted from an article by Jan Engoren in The Coastal Star)
+ Oster Garden
845 NE 71st Street in Boca Raton
“Where the Seagrapes Meet the Mangroves”
One thing that stands out during the approach to the Oster Garden. It is in an upscale neighborhood where all the houses look the same, but the Oster home is different. It has no front lawn, while inviting pathways lead to different areas. The west side is an edible forest of natives and Caribbean fruit trees. Heading to the back northeast side is a tiered pond that features wetland plants and trees, in the back is a massive trunk of an old seagrape (female) that is stout in height, provides shade for a back deck sitting area that overlooks the waterway where planted mangroves in PVC piping thrive off of his boat deck It is really spectacular.
+ Kohner Garden
447 SW 8th Terrace in Boca Raton
“Oasis in a Green Desert”
Why not native? That is the motto of Michael Kohner when it comes to landscaping. He and his wife choose a native plant every time they add to their landscape, increasing the garden’s beauty while supporting the pollinators and reducing impact on the environment. It started slow, with a few laurel oaks, Quercus laurifolia, in the swale, and now the garden has 190 native species, with a few non-natives yet to be replaced. Originally, the yard was grass and sand and now has a thriving population of earthworms and other delights that the opossums eat at night, and the butterflies can be so thick that they are impossible to count.
Note:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society–in partnership with Audubon Everglades andAtala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association—will be giving away a native plant at one of the gardens while supplies last.
About The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida.
Educational meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Mounts Botanical Garden. Each meeting has an educational program related to Florida native plants, a native plant raffle and refreshments For more information, call561.247.3677 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.
4 small winter squash (about 1 1/2 pounds each), like kabocha, acorn squash, or pie pumpkins
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the filling:
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups brown rice
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup diced shallots
1 cup diced celery
1 1/4 pounds mushrooms, diced (I used a mix of creminis and wild mushrooms)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch cinnamon
1 cup chopped mixed herbs (parsley, chives, and chervil work beautifully here)
Special Equipment
Food processor
Image: Cambrea Bakes
Method
Heat the oven to 400F and prepare the squash:
Cut the squash in half and scrape out the seeds. Cut a small sliver from the bottom of each squash half to create a stable surface for the “bowl.” Rub the squash halves inside and out with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Roast the squash:
Roast the squash halves cut-side down for 30 minutes, then flip them over and roast cut-side up (like a bowl) for another 15 minutes. When done, the squash should be easily pierced with a fork and toasted golden-brown on the surface. (About 45 minutes total; if the squash finishes roasting before the filling is ready, turn the oven heat to its lowest temperature and keep them warm until needed.)
While the squash roasts, begin preparing the rice stuffing:
In a large pot over medium heat, toast the rice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the rice smells fragrant and nutty, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Cook the rice:
Pour the vegetable broth or water over the rice and give it a quick stir. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches boiling, turn down heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t done, continue checking every five minutes.
Cook the carrots, shallots, and celery:
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté the carrot, shallot, and celery until the shallots become translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer the veggies to a large bowl, and set aside.
Cook the mushrooms in batches:
In the same 12-inch skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Add a third of the mushrooms – do not to overcrowd the pan. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon salt and a little pepper over the mushrooms, but do not stir.
Let the mushrooms cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, until a caramelized crust forms on the bottom of the mushrooms. (Lift one up to check!) Once you see a brown crust, stir the mushrooms together. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mushrooms have released all their liquid and look evenly browned on all sides.
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Finish the vegetables:
When all the mushrooms are cooked, return the cooked mushrooms, carrots, shallots, and celery to the pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the white wine and scrape any glazed bits from the bottom of the pan as the wine simmers. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until most of the wine has evaporated. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
(If the vegetables and rice are ready before the roasted squash, cover the pans to keep warm until needed. If necessary, re-warm briefly on the stovetop or the microwave before continuing with the recipe.)
Set 6 of the roasted squash halves on plates for serving; scoop the flesh from the remaining 2 squash halves:
Transfer the flesh to a food processor. Add the cinnamon and puree until very smooth.
Finish the squash filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mushrooms, vegetables, cooked rice, and squash puree and mix until well-combined. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or cinnamon if you like. Finally, stir in fresh herbs, reserving some herbs for sprinkling over top. Taste the filling and season with salt and pepper to taste. (If you used water or unseasoned stock to cook the rice, you’ll need to be more heavy-handed with the salt.)
Stuff the squashes and serve:
Divide the filling equally between all the squash halves, mounding the filling slightly. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and serve immediately while piping hot.
West Palm Beach, Fla. (October 31, 2022): YMCA of the Palm Beaches has announced a donation of $27,000 from The Palm Beach Chapter of Credit Unions (LSCU), in support of the Y’s mission of providing essential programs for the Palm Beach County community. The funds were raised from the Chapter’s 31st Annual Golf Tournament, held at Madison Green Country Club in Royal Palm Beach.
‘The YMCA fully embodies our Chapter’s philosophy of ‘People helping people,’” said Patrick Shandorf, Business Development Manager for Guardians Credit Union, on behalf of the Chapter. “We’re honored to support such a meaningful organization that truly elevates the lives of our fellow citizens.”
The Palm Beach Chapter of LSCU was founded to help credit union professionals expand members’ industry-related educational and social opportunities and is committed to strengthening the Palm Beach County community through philanthropic and volunteer initiatives.
“YMCA of the Palm Beaches serves thousands of children, seniors and families annually, with a goal of never turning anyone away due to the inability to pay,” said Tim Coffield, President & CEO. “This contribution will help so many within our Y family, and we are incredibly grateful to be the beneficiary of their generosity.”
For more information, visit ymcapalmbeaches.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram @ymcapalmbeaches.
Photo (L-R): Patrick Shandorf, Brad Jeters, Heather Landstrom, Eddie Evans, Sheri Harris, McKenzie Marsch, Brad Kindsfather, Carter Maysilles, ShellyAnn Terrell.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching. This special holiday usually means quality time with family and friends and overindulging in a bountiful meal. While that can leave us uncomfortable and possibly wishing for an elastic waistband, partaking in the family feast can be even worse for our pets. Here is a list of foods usually served at Thanksgiving and advice on whether or not you should share them with your furry family member.
Turkey
In general, white turkey meat is safe for your dog or cat. Once it’s seasoned, though, it becomes unsafe as it is usually too rich for pets. Avoid feeding your pet turkey skin or dark meat as the higher fat content can cause an upset stomach or even pancreatitis. Never give your pet a turkey bone as it can shatter or splinter which can cause stomach or esophagus damage.
Ham
Avoid giving your fur baby ham altogether as it contains high levels of sodium and fat. As with turkey bones, keep ham bones away from your pets as well.
Stuffing
Since Thanksgiving dressing is often made with onions, scallions or garlic, avoid giving this filling side dish to your pet as those ingredients are extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
Mashed Potatoes
Although potatoes are safe for pets to eat, mashed potatoes are usually made with butter and milk which can cause an upset tummy and diarrhea. Additionally, some recipes include garlic and onion powder which, as mentioned above, are both toxic to pets. So no mashed potatoes for the pets.
Cranberries
Cranberries on their own are non-toxic and high in antioxidants. While your pet might not crave this type of treat, if their tastebuds approve, feel free to feed them a few, but in moderation. Anytime a pet gets a treat he or she doesn’t usually get, too much of that treat can end up causing a belly ache.
Sweet Potatoes
As long as you steer clear of sweet potato casserole and serve your pet plain, cooked sweet potato, you could actually be doing them good. Again, moderation is key, but small amounts of this sweet snack option are full of nutrients and vitamins. Once anything like butter, cream, sugar or seasonings are added, though, keep this food to yourself.
Green Beans
Green beans are a great, safe option for both cats and dogs. Cats may not beg for the, but dogs usually love them. A great source of nutrition and rich in fiber and lots of vitamins, they can be fed to your pet either raw or cooked. As with all other pet-safe foods, avoid any extra ingredients like butter or oil.
Dessert
For so many reasons, this is a big no. Sugar can hinder the digestive process and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are toxic to animals. If you’d like to give your furry family member a Thanksgiving “dessert,” you could offer them some plain pumpkin (not the pie filling), carrots, or washed and toasted pumpkin seeds. Honestly, though, they’ll probably be just as happy with one last bite of plain white turkey meat.
Routine skin checkups and early detection positively impact the outcomes of serious skin cancers like melanoma. Many people think sun exposure is the only prerequisite for skin cancer, yet melanoma can develop even if you’ve never had sun damage. Most melanoma doesn’t even start in a pre-existing mole, another common misconception; in fact, melanoma can be colorless. With the skin being the largest and most vast organ of the human body, there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to one of the deadliest types of cancer.
According to Aim at Florida, Florida ranks second in the nation for the highest rate of new melanoma cases. But, beyond your geographical area, Dr. Katherine Chiang, a dermatologist in Wellington, Florida, warns not knowing the lesser-known truths surrounding melanoma or not properly preparing for your skin checkup could put you at even higher risk.
Lesser-known risks
You may think that if you stay out of the sun or wear sun protection, you are safe from melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Many people may not realize that it is not just the sun that can cause skin cancer. The sun causes spots on our skin which in turn may lead us to use makeup, lotions, or sprays to improve our imperfections; however, it could be those same things that are adding to our risk of skin cancer. The very remedies we are doing to improve the appearance of our skin, nails, and hair could harm us. Some of the products we use could carry toxic chemicals and increase your skin cancer risk.
Another common misconception about melanoma and other skin cancers is that people of color are not affected or are at a lesser risk. The truth is Black, Indigenous, and people of color are also at risk and can be affected the same way as people with lighter skin. “Melanoma is very sneaky and can affect anybody regardless of skin color. Like with most diseases, there is an element of genetics as well as environmental exposure. Patients of color are approximately five times less likely to get melanoma. Still, oftentimes the types of melanoma we see in patients of color are more advanced with worse prognosis,” explains Dr. Chiang.
Melanoma isn’t just cancer on your skin. Because melanoma is cancer that begins with the cells that give the skin its color, called melanocytes, melanomas can actually develop anywhere on the skin. “Melanoma can affect cutaneous skin, known as the skin on the outside of our body, and even non-cutaneous skin, which includes areas like the eyes, mouth, and stomach lining,” adds Dr. Chiang.
How can you prepare for your derm appointment?
Going to the dermatologist to have your body examined can feel very vulnerable, but your practitioner must have visual access to all areas of your body. “I love it when my patients come ready for a full body skin check! It helps me deliver the most comprehensive and most accurate skin check experience,” reminds Dr. Chiang. Arriving for your appointment with these tips in mind will help you get the most thorough examination.
Your hair should be easy to comb through, and the scalp should be visible- no hair spray, no updo, no recent hair dye (this often tints the scalp, too), no glue-on hair accessories, and no extensions.
Face and body should have no makeup or tanning products.
Remove nail polish, gel, or acrylics ahead of time. The nail bed should be visible.
Jewelry and watches should be left at home or removed in the exam room.
Shoes should be easy to slip on and off.
Lastly, leave the embarrassment at the door and reaffirm that your provider is a highly trained practitioner solely purposed with examining you for your best health and not here to judge you. “One thing that patients always feel embarrassed about is their body hair. Don’t be! It’s not gross. It’s normal,” shares Dr. Chiang. These few extra steps in preparing for your next checkup, and knowing these lesser-known facts, might lead to the prevention or early detection of a very serious cancer.
More about Dr. Katherine Chiang
After graduating from Princeton University, Dr. Chiang moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to pursue her medical degree at one of the top medical schools in the country, Case Western University Medical School. There she discovered a passion for diseases of the hair, skin, and nails. Dr. Chiang went on to complete her dermatology medical training at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Her rigorous training included adult, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and dermatopathology. She has presented at numerous national dermatology conferences and has been published in numerous leading peer-reviewed dermatology journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology. She loves practicing dermatology and looks forward to caring for you and your family! You can learn more about me on our practice website: precisionmds.comIn her free time, Dr. Katherine Chiang enjoys yoga, tennis, cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and daughters.
The trick-or-treaters have gone home, and Halloween is officially over. You might be staring at your jack-o-lanterns and wondering what to do now that they’ve served their decorative purpose.
According to the United States Department of Energy, every year, more than one billion pounds of pumpkin get thrown away in the United States after Halloween, contributing to the 30.3 million tons of annual food waste. Not to mention that pumpkins in landfills release methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes more than 20 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. So, before you toss your pumpkins in the trash, here are some other ways to say goodbye to these festive gourds and keep up that post-Halloween pumpkin fever!
Start Composting
Instead of pitching your pumpkins in the trash, add your jack-o-lanterns to your compost pile. In just a few weeks, these gourds will break down and give your garden some much-needed nutrients, feeding the rest of your produce as the cool season settles in. It also helps that every single part of a pumpkin is compostable. I recommend removing the seeds unless you want to start the regrowing process early for next year. If you want to keep the seeds in your pile, just boil them for a few minutes so your garden gets all of the nutrients with none of the sprouting.
Because of their hearty exterior, pumpkins compost best when broken down. You can cut it down into chunks, or if you’re looking for a fun activity for your kids, put it in a bag and let them smash it! Once you break it down, add it to your compost bin or directly to your garden and cover with soil.
Start Cooking
There are endless possibilities for fresh pumpkins in your kitchen. Whether you want to pour your very own pumpkin spice latte, bake a warm pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, or blend the gourd into a velvety pumpkin soup, you’ll never run out of ideas to turn uncarved pumpkins that have been kept inside into delicious culinary masterpieces.
Pumpkin seeds are also an incredible vessel for flavor and make for a quick and healthy snack. Wash them to get rid of the pumpkin insides and dry them completely with a dish towel. In a bowl, toss the seeds in olive oil and the herbs or spices of your choosing. Spread them out on a lined baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, tossing every five minutes for even cooking.
Pumpkin goes well with a variety of seasonings like nutmeg, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, and ginger, so make sure you have fresh herbs and hearty spices in your home before cooking.
Save the Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are incredibly versatile, and if you want experiment with your backyard pumpkin patch next fall, you can save your seeds to plant and enjoy growing your own pumpkins. After scooping out the seeds and rinsing the pulp, take the extra time to clean the seeds thoroughly using a colander. Obviously, pumpkins have more seeds than you’d want in your garden, so sift through them and pick out the largest seeds. Plan on saving about three times more seeds than the number of fruit (yes, pumpkin is technically a fruit!) you’re planning on growing. You may end up with a new variety of pumpkin to showcase next year!
Lay the seeds out onto a dry paper towel in an even layer and place them in a cool, dry spot for one week. Once the seeds are dry, you can place them in a bag or envelope and save them in a cold and dry area of your home, or your refrigerator.
Freeze Your Leftovers
Pumpkin is a great ingredient year-round if you know how to preserve it. Freezing is the easiest way to do it, and helps the gourd stay nutritious even after the fall season ends. For the best results, boil your pumpkin meat until tender and either mash or puree until smooth. Use an ice cube tray to freeze the pureed pumpkin and save the cubes in a bag until you need them. For more detailed instructions on how to freeze pumpkin, click here.
Pumpkin doesn’t have to be a home decoration in October. With so many ways to use your leftover pumpkins, you’ll never throw your jack-o-lanterns or mantle decorations in the trash ever again!
